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Thermal baths, art & culture
Calzignano Terme-Monselice-Montegrotto Terme-Padua-Praglia
The Euganean thermal district is well-known for the thermal resorts of Abano and Montegrotto. The thermal baths are surrounded by the Natural Park of the Euganean Hills and represent the largest thermal area in Europe.
Today, thanks to the ever-growing network of paths and cycle paths, the area can be easily explored by bike, even by families with children. The Euganean area is among the most renowned in Italy for the presence of thermal springs, an important tourist attraction at an international level. The hydrominerary basin of the Euganean Hills includes the municipalities of Abano Terme, Arquà Petrarca, Baone, Battaglia Terme, Due Carrare, Galzignano Terme, Monselice, Montegrotto Terme, Teolo and Torreglia, for a total extension of about 23 Km².
The properties of the Euganean thermal waters have been appreciated since antiquity, as shown by the ancient Venetic cult dedicated to Aponus, the healing deity associated with these springs. Archaeological remains still visible today — especially in Montegrotto Terme, one of Italy’s most important thermal-archaeological sites — demonstrate the significance of the baths in Roman times, also mentioned by authors such as Livy and Pliny the Elder. This beautiful tour will also take you to Padua, home to the Basilica of Saint Anthony, the SCROVEGNI CHAPEL frescoed by Giotto, and to the Villa dei Vescovi, a splendid Renaissance villa overlooking the Euganean landscape. From here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an easy trek on Mount Pirio along the Terre Bianche path, a gentle route through vineyards and olive groves, offering wonderful panoramic views.
During this tour taste also the excellent local food & wines. The Euganean Hills are also celebrated for their culinary and winemaking traditions. The area boasts a rich tapestry of flavours, from robust red wines like Cabernet and Merlot to crisp whites like Pinot Bianco and Fior d’Arancio, a fragrant sparkling wine made from Moscato grapes.
Local cuisine perfectly complements these wines, with dishes such as wild boar ragù, risottos featuring radicchio or asparagus, and the traditional bigoli with duck sauce. The local Euganean olive oil, delicate and fruity, is a staple in many recipes. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts like zaleti (cornmeal cookies) and pazientina cake pair beautifully with the region’s sweet passito wines.
This destination offers an authentic journey through nature, wellness, culture, food, and short scenic hikes, ideal for visitors of all ages. A trip suitable for the whole family: a perfect combination of cycling, thermal relaxation, art, culture, local gastronomy, and easy outdoor adventures.
The daily program of the 6-day tour
Individual arrival in the Euganean thermal area, an oasis of health and well-being in a unique territory, surrounded by a rich natural environment and boasting an important historical-artistic heritage, dating back to the Roman, medieval and “Venetian” periods. This region is also known for a rich culinary tradition based on quality local products, such as olive oil and wine.
Dinner, overnight and breakfast in Galzignano Terme
You will start cycling through the historic town of Monselice, a medieval fortified village known for its ancient walls and elegant villas, before reaching Arquà Petrarca, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Italy and the place where the poet Francesco Petrarca spent his final years.
From here, a 30-minute easy trek will take you to the Mottolone plateau, one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Euganean Hills (5 km, elevation gain +200 m / –200 m). This panoramic balcony offers sweeping views over vineyards, olive groves and the volcanic peaks of the park. Once back in the valley, you will enjoy an included tasting of local wine and olive oil, discovering the unique flavours of the Euganean terroir. The last part of the route leads you through the evocative “Valli Selvatiche”, a quiet and atmospheric area of rolling fields and waterways, until you reach Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio, a remarkable 17th-century Italian garden known for its monumental maze, fountains and symbolic Baroque layout. The entrance ticket is included.
Dinner, overnight and breakfast in Galzignano Terme
Distance by bike: 25 km /15,5 mi
Distance on foot: 5 km /3 mi
Ascent/descent +220 – 220m
Starting from Battaglia Terme, you can visit the Museum of River Navigation, an engaging exhibition that tells the story of the traditional “barcari”, the boatmen who once transported goods from the Euganean Hills to Venice along an extensive network of waterways. Following the cycle path that runs beside the Vigenzone Canal, you will reach the charming hamlet of Pontemanco, known for its historic water mills and well-preserved rural atmosphere. The route then continues toward Mezzavia, where the Castle of San Pelagio houses the fascinating Air Museum, dedicated to the history of human flight — from Leonardo da Vinci to the Montgolfier brothers, all the way to Neil Armstrong and the Apollo missions. After passing through Montegrotto Terme, on your way back to the hotel, you shouldn’t miss the magnificent Catajo Castle (ticket included), one of the most impressive historical residences in the Veneto region. The castle features richly frescoed halls, terraces overlooking the surrounding landscape, and the enchanting Giardino delle Delizie, designed as a Renaissance retreat of art and nature.
Dinner, overnight and breakfast in Galzignano Terme
Distance: 25 km / 15,5 mi
Ascent: + 110m – 110m
Today you can choose between an enjoyable ride along the Euganean Hills Cycle Path, a scenic route that covers the entire chain of the Euganean Hills, weaving through woods, ancient abbeys, and charming towns such as Este and Bastia. If you prefer a more relaxed day, you can stay at your spa resort and indulge in one of the many thermal treatments, after all, you are in the largest thermal park in Europe!
Another option is to spend the day exploring Padua or Venice (please leave your bike at the hotel). Both cities offer rich cultural experiences, from historical landmarks to world-famous art and architecture
Dinner, overnight and breakfast in Galzignano Terme
Distance: 65 km / 40,3 mi
Ascent: + 350m or – 350m
An easy itinerary takes you to the majestic Villa dei Vescovi, a splendid 16th-century Renaissance villa, where you can admire the well-preserved frescoes and relax in the panoramic gardens. Entrance ticket is included. From the villa, you can embark on a gentle trek to Mount Pirio along the scenic “Terre Bianche” (White Lands) path, passing through vineyards and olive groves. The walk leads to a small church dedicated to the Alpine army forces (5 km, elevation gain +190 m / –190 m) and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Euganean Hills. Returning to your bike, you will have the opportunity to visit the Benedictine Abbey of Praglia, an internationally renowned center for the restoration of ancient books. Before reaching the abbey, the route passes through the San Daniele Biotope, a peaceful natural area where small lakes host colonies of turtles, perfect for a relaxing stroll in nature.
Diner, overnachting en ontbijt in Calzignano Terme
Afstand op de fiets: 35 km /21,8 mi
Afstand te voet: 5 km
Hoogteverschil: + 235m – 235m
After breakfast, end of the cycling tour and our services.
Impressions of the Euganean Thermal District
Calzignano Terme-Monselice-Montegrotto Terme-Padua-Praglia
LEVEL 1,5
You cycle mainly on flat areas, with few and short climbs and descents. The itineraries are easy, suitable for everyone. A minimum of bike travel experience is required. The land is 85% asphalted and 15% unpaved. There is the possibility of shortening the itinerary by taking the train on day 4.Total difference in height uphill: 350 m.
These are 4 easy itineraries, all flat with some slight climbs and descents. The itineraries develop along safe and quiet cycle paths, with very little traffic.
Total km of trekking: 10 km / 6,2 mi
Total difference in height uphill for trekking: 400 m.
Total km: 150 km / 93 mi
DEPARTURES:
Daily from 28 March until 31 October 2026
PARTICIPANTS:
1 or more people.
START / FINISH:
Calzignano Terme / Calzignano Terme
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